This book was made possible in the first instance by my employment on a three-year project funded by the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme (KTP006241), and match-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and the Northumbria Local Criminal Justice Board (£120,000). The Principal Investigator was Prof Elaine Campbell (Newcastle University). Dr Ruth Graham (also Newcastle University) was Co-Investigator and Dr Andy Dale (Business Manager of the Northumbria Local Criminal Justice Board) was the lead from the Non-academic Research Partner. Research leave of one semester provided by my current employer, the University of Liverpool, provided me with the necessary time and space to complete the work on this book. Aside from these necessary ‘official’ acknowledgements I am particularly grateful to the following people, all of whom made significant contributions in supporting me to develop the ideas contained in this book. Firstly, Sarah Meyers, who encourages and supports me in everything I do. Secondly, my PhD supervisors Elaine Campbell and Ruth Graham, who consistently pushed and challenged me, introduced me to ideas which have left a lasting impression on my intellectual perspective, and, above all, supported and encouraged me in developing my own ideas. And finally (but by no means least) Dr/Inspector Andy Dale whose patience and flexibility throughout the five years that we worked together were invaluable, as were his helpful hints on writing style and his generosity with biscuits!